909 research outputs found
Monitoring and methods to analyse the groundwater quality degradation risk in coastal karstic aquifers (Apulia, Southern Italy)
No full textA multi-methodological approach based on monitoring and spatio-temporal analysis of groundwater quality changes is proposed. The presented tools are simple, quick and cost-effective to give service to all sorts of users. The chief purpose of the monitoring network is the detection of the piezometric or potenziometric level in the aquifer. The spatial and multi-temporal analysis of usual chemical and physical data provides both an assessment of the spatial vulnerability of the aquifer to seawater intrusion, defining a salinity threshold between fresh groundwater and brackish groundwater and of the water quality trend in terms of salinity. The evaluation of the salinity trend or of salinity-correlated parameters highlights the effects of groundwater mismanagement. The multiparameter logging provides a rapid groundwater quality classification for each well. The whole approach allows evaluating the effects of current management criteria and designing more appropriate management targets. The Apulian karstic coastal aquifers have been selected as a case study (Southern Italy). Three types of aquifer zones can be distinguished: (1) areas with low vulnerability to seawater intrusion, (2) areas with high vulnerability and (3) areas with variable vulnerability in which the salt degradation largely depends on the ability to manage the well discharge. The water quality degradation caused by seawater intrusion appears to be a combined effect of an anomalous succession of drought periods observed from about 1980 onwards and increased groundwater pumping, particularly during drought periods. A management criterion based on aquifer zones is proposed.Published299-312JCR Journalope
Karstic aquifer vulnerability assessment methods and results at a test site (Apulia, southern Italy)
No full textKarstic aquifers are well known for their vulnerability to groundwater contamination. This is due to characteristics such as thin soils and point recharge in dolines, shafts, and swallow holes. In karstic areas, groundwater is often the only freshwater source. This is the case of the Apulia region (south-eastern Italy), where a large and deep carbonate aquifer, affected by karstic and fracturing phenomena, is located. Several methods (GOD, DRASTIC, SINTACS, EPIK, PI, and COP) for the assessment of the intrinsic vulnerability (Iv) were selected and applied to an Apulian test site, for which a complete data set was set up. The intrinsic vulnerability maps, produced using a GIS approach, show vulnerability from low to very high. The maximum vulnerability is always due to karstic features. A comparison approach of the maps is proposed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. In general terms, three groups can be distinguished. The GOD method is useful for mapping large areas with high vulnerability contrasts. DRASTIC and SINTACS are “anytype aquifer” methods that have some limitations in applications to karstic aquifers, especially in the case of DRASTIC. EPIK, PI, and COP, which were designed to be applied to carbonate or karstic aquifers, supply affordable results, highly coherent with karstic and hydrogeological features, and reliable procedures, especially in the case of PI and COP. The latter appears simpler to apply and more flexible in considering the role of climatic parameters. If Iv of each method is considered, the highest variability is observed in cells in the neighbourhood of karstic features. In these spatial domains, additional efforts to define more reliable and global methods are required.Published1461/1470JCR Journalope
Criteri di gestione degli acquiferi costieri pugliesi
No full textThe quality of groundwater of Apulian carbonate aquifers is severely affected by salt quality degradation due to seawater intrusion which reduces the availability of high quality groundwater. To reduce these risks, some regional regulations were defined from seventies with the purpose to control the number of wells, the location and the authorised well discharge. The practical effects of these management criteria, the temporal and spatial trend of recharge, groundwater quality and seawater intrusion effects are discussed. Proposals for new management criteria are defined.PublishedaZORESope
Advanced monitoring and sustainable managment technologies of groundwater resources: the Apulia case
No full textThe scientific activity carried out in recent years by CNR IRPI (Department of Bari) is finalized to develop methodologies and knowledge to optimize the management and safeguard of Apulian groundwater resources. In Apulia there are four hydrogeological units (Gargano, Tavoliere, Murgia and Salento). They exhibit varying geological, structural and morphological features. Apart from Puglia Tableland (Tavoliere), the remaining hydrogeological units share some common features. They consist of large and coastal aquifers, mainly constituted by carbonate rocks of Mesozoic age. In both the Gargano Promontory (Gargano) and the low Murge Plateau (Murgia) aquifers are under pressure except on a restricted coastline strip. In the Salentine Peninsula (Salento), subsurface water flow under phreatic conditions is prevailing. Finally, Puglia Tableland hydrogeological unit consists of a large porous aquifer; groundwater flows under phreatic conditions in the most internal and upstream portion, whereas it flows under pressure in the remaining part of the unit.
The rapid socio-economic growth, which has occurred in the past decades, has continued to stress conditions in the Apulian hydrogeological system in Southern Italy, thereby leading to different hazardous conditions. Groundwater for domestic, irrigation and industrial use has been withdrawn in large quantities over the years. The aquifers are increasingly becoming the ultimate "receptacle" for wastewater. Apulia is affected by two types of human-related pollution: salt contamination which is spreading over large portions of land, that reducing the availability of good quality water and chemico-physical and biological pollution which is mainly confined to urban areas.
The described approach and methodologies are: automatic monitoring network, numerical modeling, schematic mapping of groundwater quality with commonly available data, multiparameter well logging for rapid groundwater quality classification, groundwater vulnerability assessment, salinity trend analysis to evaluate the variation of seawater intrusion and the analysis of long time series finalized to quantify the modification of groundwater availability.PublishedElbasan (Albania)ope
Advanced monitoring and sustainable managment technologies of groundwater resources: the Apulia case
No full textThe scientific activity carried out in recent years by CNR IRPI (Department of Bari) is finalized to develop methodologies and knowledge to optimize the management and safeguard of Apulian groundwater resources. In Apulia there are four hydrogeological units (Gargano, Tavoliere, Murgia and Salento). They exhibit varying geological, structural and morphological features. Apart from Puglia Tableland (Tavoliere), the remaining hydrogeological units share some common features. They consist of large and coastal aquifers, mainly constituted by carbonate rocks of Mesozoic age. In both the Gargano Promontory (Gargano) and the low Murge Plateau (Murgia) aquifers are under pressure except on a restricted coastline strip. In the Salentine Peninsula (Salento), subsurface water flow under phreatic conditions is prevailing. Finally, Puglia Tableland hydrogeological unit consists of a large porous aquifer; groundwater flows under phreatic conditions in the most internal and upstream portion, whereas it flows under pressure in the remaining part of the unit.
The rapid socio-economic growth, which has occurred in the past decades, has continued to stress conditions in the Apulian hydrogeological system in Southern Italy, thereby leading to different hazardous conditions. Groundwater for domestic, irrigation and industrial use has been withdrawn in large quantities over the years. The aquifers are increasingly becoming the ultimate "receptacle" for wastewater. Apulia is affected by two types of human-related pollution: salt contamination which is spreading over large portions of land, that reducing the availability of good quality water and chemico-physical and biological pollution which is mainly confined to urban areas.
The described approach and methodologies are: automatic monitoring network, numerical modeling, schematic mapping of groundwater quality with commonly available data, multiparameter well logging for rapid groundwater quality classification, groundwater vulnerability assessment, salinity trend analysis to evaluate the variation of seawater intrusion and the analysis of long time series finalized to quantify the modification of groundwater availability.PublishedElbasan (Albania)ope
Karstic aquifer vulnerability assessment methods and results at a test site (Apulia, southern Italy)
No full textKarstic aquifers are well known for their vulnerability to groundwater contamination. This is due to characteristics such as thin soils and point recharge in dolines, shafts, and swallow holes. In karstic areas, groundwater is often the only freshwater source. This is the case of the Apulia region (south-eastern Italy), where a large and deep carbonate aquifer, affected by karstic and fracturing phenomena, is located. Several methods (GOD, DRASTIC, SINTACS, EPIK, PI, and COP) for the assessment of the intrinsic vulnerability (<i>Iv</i>) were selected and applied to an Apulian test site, for which a complete data set was set up. The intrinsic vulnerability maps, produced using a GIS approach, show vulnerability from low to very high. The maximum vulnerability is always due to karstic features. A comparison approach of the maps is proposed. <br><br> The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. In general terms, three groups can be distinguished. The GOD method is useful for mapping large areas with high vulnerability contrasts. DRASTIC and SINTACS are "any-type aquifer" methods that have some limitations in applications to karstic aquifers, especially in the case of DRASTIC. EPIK, PI, and COP, which were designed to be applied to carbonate or karstic aquifers, supply affordable results, highly coherent with karstic and hydrogeological features, and reliable procedures, especially in the case of PI and COP. The latter appears simpler to apply and more flexible in considering the role of climatic parameters. If <i>Iv</i> of each method is considered, the highest variability is observed in cells in the neighbourhood of karstic features. In these spatial domains, additional efforts to define more reliable and global methods are required
The coastal springs along the Taranto Gulf (South Italy)
No full textThe Mar Piccolo (literally “narrow sea”), a sea internal basin which is part of the Taranto Gulf, located along the Ionian coast in southern Italy (Apulia region), represents both a peculiar and sensitive environmental area and a national environmental and social emergency due to the level of sea water pollution due to the pollutants coming from the close industrial area of Taranto.
The area, located between the southern part of the Murgia plateau and the Ionian sea, is geologically characterized by a sequence of Mesozoic limestone (the Apulian carbonate platform) constituting the foreland of the southern Apennines chain. The Mesozoic sequence is intensely fissured and karstified, and forms an important groundwater reservoir.
The aquifer occurring in the carbonate sequence of the Murgia plateau feeds numerous coastal springs and constitute the main local source of pure fresh groundwater.
Galeso, Battentieri and Riso are the main subaerial springs located along the coast of Mar Piccolo, not far from the town of Taranto. This area is also characterized by several submarine springs, locally called “Citri”.
Submarine freshwater discharge plays an important, though not well quantified, role in the hydrogeological equilibrium of the system, but also the source of the spreading of many pollutants in the Mar Piccolo area due to the close presence of one of the largest European steel mill together a number of hazardous industrial activities of other types.
The paper describes the efforts and the preliminary results to define a detailed conceptualisation of the aquifer as main support to characterise the hydrological balance of the internal sea and the quality of sea water and the effect on of the ecological equilibrium of the coastal environment.PublishedHusum (Germany)6A. Monitoraggio ambientale, sicurezza e territorioope
The coastal springs along the Taranto Gulf (South Italy)
No full textThe Mar Piccolo (literally “narrow sea”), a sea internal basin which is part of the Taranto Gulf, located along the Ionian coast in southern Italy (Apulia region), represents both a peculiar and sensitive environmental area and a national environmental and social emergency due to the level of sea water pollution due to the pollutants coming from the close industrial area of Taranto.
The area, located between the southern part of the Murgia plateau and the Ionian sea, is geologically characterized by a sequence of Mesozoic limestone (the Apulian carbonate platform) constituting the foreland of the southern Apennines chain. The Mesozoic sequence is intensely fissured and karstified, and forms an important groundwater reservoir.
The aquifer occurring in the carbonate sequence of the Murgia plateau feeds numerous coastal springs and constitute the main local source of pure fresh groundwater.
Galeso, Battentieri and Riso are the main subaerial springs located along the coast of Mar Piccolo, not far from the town of Taranto. This area is also characterized by several submarine springs, locally called “Citri”.
Submarine freshwater discharge plays an important, though not well quantified, role in the hydrogeological equilibrium of the system, but also the source of the spreading of many pollutants in the Mar Piccolo area due to the close presence of one of the largest European steel mill together a number of hazardous industrial activities of other types.
The paper describes the efforts and the preliminary results to define a detailed conceptualisation of the aquifer as main support to characterise the hydrological balance of the internal sea and the quality of sea water and the effect on of the ecological equilibrium of the coastal environment.PublishedHusum (Germany)6A. Monitoraggio ambientale, sicurezza e territorioope
A peculiar case of coastal springs and geogenic saline groundwater: the Santa Cesarea Terme thermal springs (Southern Italy)
No full textCarbonate aquifers, located in foreland tectonic settings, could represent important thermal water resources outside the volcanic areas, supplying spas or geothermal installations. Thermal springs constitute the discharge areas of deep marine and continental groundwaters flowing within these carbonate aquifers whose hydraulic conductivity and the relevant geothermal fluid migration are strictly controlled by both the discontinuity network and the karst processes involving the foreland environment. An example of these springs occurs along the south-easternmost portion of the Apulia region (Southern Italy) where some sulphurous and warm waters (22-33 °C) flow out in partially submerged caves located along the coast, thus supplying the spas of Santa Cesarea Terme.
These springs are known from ancient times (Aristotele in III century BC) and the physical-chemical features of their thermal waters resulted to be partly influenced by the sea level variations. Some hypotheses about the origin of these warm waters were proposed up to now by previous researches but some uncertainties still exist. For this reason, the area has been selected in order to define the conceptual model of the geothermal resources related to the thermal springs and, as a consequence, the origin of the thermal springs. It is one of the pilot site of the Vigor Project (Evaluation of the geothermal potential of Regions of Convergence), promoted by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and National Research Council.
Santa Cesarea Terme zone is located within the Apulia carbonate platform, the foreland of the southern Apennines, which consists of Jurassic-Cretaceous limestones, thick more than 5 km in the study area and affected by intense karst processes, resting above the Late Triassic evaporite (Burano Fm) and, unconformably, overlaid by Cenozoic calcareous successions. Belonging to a coastal area, the studied groundwater, whose top is located almost to the sea level, is involved in saltwater intrusion and therefore the salt-fresh water interface occurs at some meters below the sea level moving inland.
Geological and hydrogeological surveys, including geo-electrical prospecting, and chemical and isotopic analyses of both groundwater and seawater have been carried out. Stable isotopes (δ18O, δD) were used to define the origin of the thermal waters and the recharge mechanism of the geothermal systems while the unstable isotope (3H) was determined for estimating the age of the thermal waters and to define the conceptual model of this low temperature geothermal resource.
All the data have been analysed to improve the knowledge of the groundwater flow system, thus assessing the possibility of using low-temperature geothermal fluids to fulfil the thermal needs of the town of Santa Cesarea Terme.
In this narrow area, the source of geogenic salinization of spring groundwater was referred to ascending very deep groundwater, more saline than current sea water.The geochemical composition and the physical features of the sampled waters suggest that thermal waters should be moving from ancient seawaters subjected to intense evaporation processes, infiltrated at great depth within the seabed substratum. Afterwards, these thermal fluids should flow up through the almost vertical structures, related to the transtensional structures, identified within a narrow sector of the studied territory.PublishedHusum (Germany)6A. Monitoraggio ambientale, sicurezza e territorioope
Groundwater of Vlora Bay
No full textThe study discusses the large karstic coastal aquifer of Vlora Bay. This case is peculiar, as the submarine groundwater discharge has a relevant rate of terrestrial inflow in an almost closed bay that is located in an environmentally valuable area.
The study is based on four methodological activities: geological and hydrogeological conceptualisation, climatic study and hydrological balance, numerical modelling, and monitoring.
A geodatabase was created considering hundreds of data points (wells, springs, rivers, lagoons, and seas) and monthly time series of rainfall, temperature, and river discharge.
Monitoring activity was realised over a hydrological year, installing a rainfall network tool and using a network of tens of sampling points, including springs, wells, lagoons and sea. Chemical-physical and stable isotope determinations were realised.
Two main groups of aerial springs are fed by the aquifer, one of which is of a coastal type. The total spring discharge is roughly 4 m3/s. The GSD was assessed as being equal to 1.4 m3/s on the basis of the current rate of anthropic discharge and climatic conditions. The study showed the peculiarities of this carbonate coastal aquifer and the importance of its groundwater, which is the chief water source for the third-largest Albanian town.
The groundwater quality was generally high, mainly due to the negligible presence of contamination sources on the relief in which the aquifer outcrops. The rate of seawater intrusion effects was also low, thanks to favourable aquifer 3-D geometry and high recharge levels.
The increasing anthropic activities constitute a relevant risk in the absence of the introduction of rigorous land and water management criteria.Published26-34JCR Journalope
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